Abstract: A method for inserting an intervertebral artificial disc is provided with the intervertebral disc including a first endplate having a plurality of protrusions for attaching to an adjacent vertebrae and an extension portion extending towards a second adjacent vertebrae. A second endplate is provided with a plurality of protrusions for attaching to a second adjacent vertebrae and an extension portion extending towards the first adjacent vertebrae. A flexible member having an upper portion and a lower portion and a slider plate positioned within the upper portion of the flexible member is also provided. The extension portion of the first endplate is adapted to fit within a first cavity in the upper portion of the flexible member and the extension portion of the second endplate is adapted to fit within a second cavity in the lower portion of the flexible member.

Abstract: An osteotomy plate for maintaining the spacing of a wedge-like opening in bone, the osteotomy plate comprising: a body having a front side and a back side; a key extending out of the back side of the body for disposition in a keyhole formed in the bone along the wedge-like opening; and a plurality of mounting holes for receiving fixation screws therein, the mounting holes being formed in the body such that when the key is disposed in the keyhole, the mounting holes direct the fixation screws into bone on either side of the wedge-like opening.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein provide systems and methods for vertebral reduction using sleeves detachably coupled to collars of bone fasteners. The reduction can be performed during a minimally invasive procedure for implanting spinal stabilization systems. A sleeve can include internal threads that match threads on the respective collar to form a continuous set of threads. Threads on a closure member can be engaged with the threads on the sleeve and the closure member turned to translate the closure member along the sleeve. The closure member can be used to push a rod relative to the collar to which the sleeve is attached to cause a vertebral body to move.

Abstract: A spinal stabilization system includes a spinal rod, a plate, a set screw, and a bone screw. The plate includes a throughhole transitionable between a collapsed and expanded configuration, and a first slot adapted to receive a spinal rod therein. The set screw includes a distal portion having threads to engage with a threaded lumen of a bone screw, and the bone screw including a head portion transitionable between a first diameter and a second diameter. The head of the bone screw insertable into the throughhole and cooperatively transitions between the first diameter and the collapsed configuration to the second diameter and expanded configuration, respectively, as the set screw advances with respect to the bone screw to lock the spinal rod into the slot of the plate in the second diameter and expanded configuration.

Abstract: The present teachings provide one or more surgical implements for repairing damaged tissue, such as through a fixation procedure. A system for a percutaneous procedure is provided. The system can include a bone fastener including a receiver. The system can include a device having a first end, a second end and a middle portion. The first end, middle portion and second end can be disposed along a longitudinal axis, and the second end can be connected to the receiver. The middle portion can have a pair of deformable leg members extending between the first and second ends. The leg members can define a channel having a width. The leg members can be selectively movable between a retracted state and an expanded state with the width of the channel greater in the expanded state than in the retracted state.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a medical device includes an elongate member, a first coupler, and a second coupler. The elongate member has a first end portion, a second end portion, and a side portion. The side portion of the elongate member has a first receiving portion and a second receiving portion. The first receiving portion is configured to receive a first support member. The second receiving portion is configured to receive a second support member. The first coupler is coupled to the elongate member and is configured to engage the first support member to help retain the first support member within the first receiving portion. The second coupler is coupled to the elongate member and is configured to engage the second support member to help retain the second support member within the second receiving portion.

Abstract: In various exemplary embodiments, the present invention provides devices, implants, and methods for distracting and/or stabilizing a facet joint of the spine of a patient or other similar joint or bony structures, optionally including modifying the facet joint and implanting an implant in the facet joint so as to distract the foramen in order to reduce compression on nerve roots.

Abstract: An interspinous process device is configured for placement between adjacent spinous processes on a subject's spine. The device includes a housing configured for mounting to a first spinal process, the housing having a lead screw fixedly secured at one end thereof. A magnetic assembly is at least partially disposed within the housing and configured for mounting to a second spinal process. The magnetic assembly includes a hollow magnet configured for rotation within the magnetic assembly, the hollow magnet comprising a threaded insert configured to engage with the lead screw. An externally applied magnetic field rotates the hollow magnet in a first direction or a second, opposite direction. Rotation of the hollow magnet in the first direction causes telescopic movement of the magnetic assembly out of the housing (i.e., elongation) and rotation in the second direction causes telescopic movement of the magnetic assembly into the housing (i.e., shortening).

Abstract: A growing spinal rod system is configured to grow in response to the growth of a patient. The growing spinal rod system includes a housing, a spacer, and a sliding spinal rod. The housing includes a stepped passage therethrough. The spacer is disposed within the stepped passage and defines a through hole. The spacer includes a plurality of ribs biased inwards and into the through hole. The sliding spinal rod is slidably inserted through the through hole of the spacer. The sliding spinal rod moves the plurality of ribs outwards. The plurality of ribs permits the sliding spinal rod to extend from the housing and inhibit the sliding spinal rod from retracting into the housing.

Abstract: A retractor includes a first arm, a second arm, and a translating member. The first arm comprises a proximal portion configured to retain a first retractor member and a distal portion configured to rotate relative to the proximal portion about a first axis. The second arm is configured to retain a second retractor member, such that rotation of the distal portion about the first axis causes the first retractor member to pivot toward or away from the second retractor member when the first retractor member and the second retractor member are coupled to the first arm and the second arm, respectively. The translating member is coupled between the proximal portion and the distal portion, and is configured to receive a drive force that causes the translating member to bias the distal portion to pivot relative to the proximal portion about the first axis.

Abstract: An occipital fixation assembly is provided. The occipital fixation assembly includes a first mounting plate configured for placement within a sinus cavity adjacent a rear portion of a skull of a patient. A threaded post extends from the first mounting plate. A coupling member includes an aperture configured to receive the threaded post therethrough. The coupling member includes an offset extension configured to support a surgical rod thereon. A fixation nut configured to threadably engage the threaded post of the first mounting plate is rotatable about the threaded post and translatable therealong. The fixation nut is rotatable with respect to the first mounting plate and the coupling member such that rotation of the fixation nut in a predetermined direction brings the first mounting plate and the coupling member toward one another and into secured engagement with the skull of a patient.

Abstract: An orthopedic implant assembly is disclosed for the treatment of fracture or other trauma to a long bone. The implant assembly includes an intramedullary nail and a lag screw that extends through a transverse bore of the intramedullary nail. The intramedullary nail includes an elongated body and one or more enlarged portions positioned adjacent to the transverse bore to reinforce the intramedullary nail.

Abstract: A facet joint is exposed at one side of the spine during surgery. An inclinometer is mounted on an elongated probe, and a pin is fixed on a spinous process near the exposed joint. The probe is swivelled about the pin so that a distal end of the probe contacts the joint and the inclinometer indicates a corresponding first trajectory. A second trajectory from the pin to an unexposed facet joint on the opposite side of the spine is defined as being symmetrical with the first trajectory about the spine axis. The inclinometer is mounted on a guide sleeve, and the sleeve is swivelled about the pin into the second trajectory. A wire is inserted through the sleeve until a tip of the wire penetrates the unexposed joint percutaneously. A facet screw is advanced over the wire and threaded percutaneously into the unexposed facet joint after the sleeve is withdrawn.

Abstract: The subject disclosure are directed to systems, apparatuses, devices and methods for vertebral and spinal correction. In some embodiments, an expansible implant is provided which may be inserted between two vertebrae, for instance, for maintenance and/or restoration of the distance/space between vertebrae. The implant may include first and second opposed plates that are intended to move away from one another, and which engage portions of vertebrae via a recess provided for on a bearing surface of the plates. The implant may additionally include at least first and second opposed end members, where at least one of the end members includes an aperture configured for receiving at least a portion of a retaining element adapted for retaining the implant in an expanded configuration once the implant is expanded. Methods of treatment and methods of use of such implants for the alleviation of back pain (for example) are also provided herein.

Abstract: A spinal fixation system includes a rod and anchor devices that include a bone engaging fastener having a head defining a spherical socket. A ball insert is placed within the socket and rotated so that the ball insert is juxtaposed with the socket. The anchor device further includes a yoke defining a yoke channel for receiving the rod and a stem engaged to the ball insert captured within the socket. A sleeve disposed between the yoke channel and the fastener head supports the rod. A set screw is operable to clamp the rod against the sleeve and draw the insert into engagement within the socket. A friction element in the form of a wave spring is disposed between the yoke and the fastener head is configured to releasably retain the yoke in at least one discrete position relative to the fastener.

Abstract: An implant device is provided that is configured for implantation at multiple locations between adjacent vertebrae. The implant device comprises an implant body, a first portion of the implant body, and a second portion of the implant body adjustably interconnected with the first portion. The implant body has a compact orientation and an extended orientation to allow the implant body to be shifted from one orientation to the other orientation for being positioned in any one of areas between the spinous processes of the adjacent vertebrae, between laminar regions of the adjacent vertebrae, spanning an opening in the annulus between the adjacent vertebrae, and in the intervertebral space between the adjacent vertebrae.

Abstract: An intramedullary pin (1) is provided. The intramedullary pin has a self-locking distal end that can be used for treating metadiaphyseal fractures of long bones such as the humerus. Locking of the distal end of the intramedullary pin (1) can take place in a controlled and gradual, and also reversible, manner. The structure of the intramedullary pin (1) further allows the use of a guide wire, whereby the pin can be inserted into the fractured bone with the aid of a guide wire.

Abstract: An articulating fusible support cage comprises a first support member having a first and second end and a second support member having a first and second end. A first end cap is pivotally connected to the first and second support members at the first ends. The first end cap supports a jackscrew for rotation. A second end cap is pivotally connected to the first and second support members at the second ends opposite the first ends. The second end cap has a threaded sleeve configured to engage a portion of the jackscrew. Rotation of the jackscrew into the threaded sleeve causes the first and second support members to extend outwardly from a collapsed condition to a deployed condition.

Abstract: Two or more expandable fusion devices are capable of being installed inside an intervertebral disc space. The devices may be implanted at varying heights to maintain disc spacing and restore spinal stability, thereby facilitating an intervertebral fusion. In one embodiment, two implants are implanted into the intervertebral disc space and then expanded or contracted to different heights.

Abstract: Disclosed is a sleeve for a transfixation device for an external skeletal fixator having a longitudinal axis, a right portion, a left portion, an outer wall, an interior wall and a lumen. The sleeve is implantable across the opposed cortices of a long bone. The lumen is adapted to receive a pin that is connectable to an external supporting structure of the external skeletal fixator. The lumen includes at least one contraction in the right portion and at least one contraction in the left portion. The at least two contractions serve as supports for the pin for avoiding contact between the pin and the interior wall, except at the contractions. Also disclosed is a transfixation device for an external skeletal fixator including a sleeve such as described and one or more pins.